Pivoting from, and leveraging, my prior professional experience as an artist, graphic designer and marketer, I realized my true calling as a teacher of art. Highly trained in a wide array of artistic mediums from oil, to watercolor to ceramics and passionate about art, I have a talent for instilling art appreciation, promoting creativity and open mindedness, motivating students, and fostering the development of a growth mindset in my students. Understanding that no two learners are the same, I offer individualized support and provide positive encouragement to ensure each child succeeds; my goal is to nurture students’ confidence and interest, while helping them develop their art skills. I cultivate and sustain strong relationships within the school community; building trust through strong communication and collaboration.
Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ
B.A. in Fine Art with a Commercial Art Concentration
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ
Alternate Route to Teaching Program
(completed Praxis tests for math, reading and writing as well as the EdTPA)
· NJ STANDARD CERTIFICATION
Emma Havens Young Elementary School, Brick, NJ
Art Teacher Sept 2021-June 2024
· Developed and implemented a full art program for 750+ students for grades K-5
· Engaged students in the creative process, cultivating their individual talents while deepening their knowledge and understanding of art, design and art history.
· Created and implemented standards-based lesson plans focusing on the elements of art and the principles of design and utilize a wide array of media to expose students to as many diverse art techniques as possible. Student projects focus on drawing, painting, collage, pastels, sculpting with clay and recycled objects, and printmaking.
· Designed and implemented student school-wide art installation that promoted creative collaboration, fostered a sense of school community, and personalized the school environment.
- Created and implemented a school art club
- Created and implemented a student assistant program where students assisted me in the classroom fostering a sense of responsibility, confidence and a sense of school community.
· Created, administered, and analyzed meaningful and frequent assessments from which re-teaching is planned
· Adapted lessons to be accessible to all learners, including students with disabilities, ESL and ELL students.
· Integrated relevant math, reading, science and social studies & geography into art projects.
· Participated in district wide student arts festivals; collaborating with fellow teachers and administrators, I worked with students to complete and select their works, communicated with parents and classroom teachers, and designed the organization of, and display of the students’ work.
· Participated in faculty and professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
· Volunteered for school activities including the creation of banners and signs for the 5thGrade Graduation Celebration.
· Engaged with parents regularly through back to school nights, art shows, progress reports, report cards, emails and phone calls.
· Managed student behavior and classroom routines to maximize learning time and create a positive classroom environment.
Cecil S. Collins Elementary School, Barnegat, NJ,
Permanent Leave Replacement Art Teacher, 2020/21 School Year
· Served as the school’s sole art teacher to over 800 students K-2, teaching both in person and virtually
· Responsible for all duties of a full-time certified art teacher: lesson plan creation, classroom management, grading, progress reports, Back to School Night, parent communication.
· Participated in the formal observation process and performed assessments within New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Visual and Performing Arts including technology integration to enrich the learning and teaching experience.
· Developed lesson adaptations to serve a growing number of ELL and ESL students.
· Developed proficiency using Google Classroom for teaching, managing assignments, tracking student progress, critiquing submissions, and communicating with parents.
· Organized and installed student art show, collaborating with in-person and virtual students, fellow teachers and administrators.
Brick Township School District & Voyager Community School,
Substitute Teacher, 2019/20 School Year
· Collected varied experiences teaching pre-school through high school age students in art and regular classroom settings
· Taught lesson plans provided by permanent teacher.
· Developed and Implemented classroom management skills.
Inspired Minds Brielle Fine Art School, Brielle, NJ
Art Teacher & Owner, 2005 - Present
· https://inspiredmindsart.com
Thriving fine art school with 70+ students elementary, middle, high school age as well as adults.
· Responsible for the creation and teaching of lesson plans for extra-curricular art classes for students ages 4-adult across a wide variety of art techniques and media including: drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking. Classes include instruction in light/shadow, color theory, blending, shading techniques, composition, and form including art history and geography.
· Teach all aspects of sculpting and ceramics, including wheel throwing, glazing and kiln firing.
· Create and manage a fun and functional classroom environment where students develop confidence, & independence.
· Develop co-curricular activities to enhance lesson plans and spur further learning and excitement.
· Responsible for planning and executing student art shows where students are led through the full exhibition process stressing not only deadlines but also quality of output. My teen students are regular participants in the Monmouth County Teen Arts Festival.
· Serve as a mentor to students, guiding them through portfolio advancement for admission to high schools, colleges and universities.
· Regularly meet with students’ parents to discuss their child’s progress
Inspired Minds Brielle Fine Art School, Brielle, NJ
Graphic Designer/Marketing Specialist /Owner, 2005 – Present
· Responsible for the development of the company’s identity, custom graphics, and multimedia marketing plan including the production of print and promotional materials and the development and launch of the corporate website http://www.inspiredmindsart.com
· Planned and executed off-site events to highlight student accomplishments and grow market awareness and client base.
· Responsible for the hiring and training of teachers and teacher assistants.
· Manage student recruitment, enrollment, and tuition remittance processes.
· Responsible for the management of the organization’s finances including: book-keeping, payroll, etc.
Riverview Art School, Island Heights, NJ, Art Instructor, 2004-2005
· Taught students ages 5-8 in fine art techniques, stressing past master artists and basic art principles such as composition, light and shadow.
Main Street Gallery, Manasquan, NJ, Adult Oil Painting Instructor, 2016 – 2018
· Graphic Designer/Marketing Specialist, 2016 – Present
Premiere Global Services, Tinton Falls, NJ
· Email Marketer/Graphic Designer, 2005-2009
· Graphic Specialist, 1995-2005
Freelance Artist and Consultant, 2004 – Present
· Collaboratively work with clients to develop customized logos for corporations and events. Artist specializing in Fine Art paintings in oil and watercolor showing in Main Street Gallery and also private commissions.
• Drawing, Pastel, Colored Pencil, Watercolor, Acrylic & Oil Painting, Printmaking, Collage,
Sculpture, Ceramics, Wheel throwing, Mixed Media
• MS Office Suite
• Google Classroom
• Adobe Photoshop
• Graphic and web building applications
• Website creation, design and management
• Social Media marketing
• Much experience in modern dance and yoga
Michelle Cloud
Principal, Emma Havens Young Elementary School, Brick, NJ
Maura Harrington
Vice-principal, Emma Havens Young Elementary School, Brick, NJ
Merry Albanowicz
Art Teacher, Osbornville Elementary School, Brick, NJ
Jenna Henriquez
Art Teacher, Veterans Memorial Elementary School, Brick, NJ
Transcripts and certifications furnished upon request.
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